Green Discount Initiative Takes Root at Port of Gothenburg

One in three vessels that called at Sweden’s Port of Gothenburg in 2016 were classified as green according to the industry environmental indexes and were given an environmental discount on the port charges. 

In total, 75 vessels received a discount of 10 per cent on the port charges in 2016 compared to 41 in 2015. This represents an increase of 83 per cent on the previous year, the port said.

Edvard Molitor, Environmental Manager at Gothenburg Port Authority, said: “The growing number of vessels classified as green is highly encouraging. They are also vessels that call at the port on a regular basis.”

The discount is based on two separate environmental indexes, Environmental Ship Index and Clean Shipping Index. Vessels that have a score of at least 30 according to ESI, or which are classified as green according to CSI, receive a 10 per cent discount on the port charges.

An additional discount is available for vessels that run on liquefied natural gas (LNG). In total, these vessels receive a 30 per cent discount each time they call.

In 2016, two vessels received the maximum discount. These were Ternsund and Fure West, owned by Donsö-based shipping companies Tärntank Ship Management AB and Furetank AB.

“Swedish shipping companies are very much at the forefront when it comes to LNG, methanol, hybrid electric ships and other eco-smart solutions,” said Molitor.

The current environmental discount was first introduced at the port on January 1, 2015. Another similar environmental reward system was in place prior to that. The aim is for shipping companies to be encouraged to mitigate their environmental impact in a way that goes beyond laws and regulations.

“We want to reward the shipping companies for their green initiatives. For the average freight vessel, the environmental discount could result in savings of tens of thousands of kronor,” said Molitor.

The process of securing the discount has now been additionally simplified, the port said. Previously, companies were required to register their vessels with Port Control at the Port of Gothenburg. With effect from January 1, 2017, registration takes place automatically when vessels call at the port. Vessels running on LNG will still need to report to the Gothenburg Port Authority to secure the discount.